Conventions of a music

video:

By Samiya Rahman 10I

GCSE:MEDIA STUDIES

What is a music video?A music video is a short film to illustrate the artist’s vision of what the

song set to the music video means and it’s moral message. It also uses imagery to manipulate the audience’s emotions to suit the emotions of

the song for promotional, advertisement and artistic purposes. In today’s society, music videos are used to promote an artist and

endorse their brand by their music, look as to set a trend whether in the music industry or fashion industry. Music videos have been around since the 1980’s and are one thing, no matter how futuristic of a form it may be presented in, will always be around in society for years to come.

There are many styles and techniques used in a music video such as animation, live action filming, documentaries and abstract film to fit a

image or purpose. Many music videos use and interpret images, scenes and lyrics from their song making sure the video goes with the lyrics of the song and what the artist envisions it to be. Some music videos do

not necessarily have a concept as to improvise the video but yet have it suit the lyrics of the song, but does not fall into the category of ‘abstract

film’.

Camera Styles:A music video contains several different camera styles, angles and techniques to portray the vision of an artist and director usually depending on the style of the music video whether

traditional or abstract.

•Close up shots•Extreme close up shots either of the artist, band or the singer’s face to illustrate the emotions of the actors to the audience •Crane shots hovering over stage images•Low angle shots•Pans and tilts moving around , moving to different performed and settings•Tracking

Features of music:Music is one of the main features of a music video, hence the title ‘music video’ . Without music, it would simply be a silent movie. The music makes the video and sets the

atmosphere. Because of the music, the video goes one of two ways: either completely to do with the lyrics of the music or nothing to do with it at all. In today’s music

videos, images tend to go in time with the beat/ rhythm with the song that the music video is showing a moving

image of. The musical elements can help shape the moving image, movements such as walking, dancing,

footsteps, tapping etc.

Editing and Sound:Editing and sound are a key feature to a successful music video if done in a way perfect to the target audience and if it suits the concept of the music

video and the theme of the music. Editing involves things such as jump cutting, putting scene

sequences together, cross cutting etc. In most cases, the footage is edited to match the music and so the lip syncing of the actors in the music video

are in time with the music. Editing can also include changing the levels of sound. Voice over’s can be

edited in and other noises that suit the narrative of the music video.

Mis en scene: setting the stage.

Mis en scene of a music video can depend on the genre of the music, the lyrics of the song and the type of music

video that is being filmed. Mis en scene can include: •Clothing (certain outfits for the actors, singer/ band)•Make up•Themes•Props•Performance equipment •Artist merchandise•Locations (venue)•Facial expressions

Imagery

In the context of music videos, imagery is used to set different moods of the

song/video or the person/ people being filmed. Using moving images helps to

create an atmosphere for the audience by manipulating colour, clothing, the setting and through creating various

ideas that are implemented in the music video.